While We’re Waiting… Mustache Mania!

Cleveland sports fans are waiting. Thus, while we’re all waiting, the WFNY editors thought you might enjoy reading. Because you never know how long we might be waiting. So here are assorted reading goodies for you to enjoy. Send more good links for tomorrow’s edition to tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

“Ohio State finishes its regular season against Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Of those teams, only Michigan has a winning record and it has lost two straight. Similarly, Stanford has games against USC, Cal and Notre Dame to round out the regular season. USC and Notre Dame have winning records, but none of the three are ranked. And that’s where Baylor has the advantage.

The Bears still have games against Texas Tech, No. 12 Oklahoma State, TCU and No. 24 Texas. If the Bears win out, they could nuzzle up right behind Florida State and Alabama and hope one slips up. The Bears also have the advantage of not playing a conference title game. Ohio State and Stanford need to beat each of their final opponents decisively to keep the voters on their side even if the computers start to sway Baylor’s direction. Otherwise, it could be an interesting final few weeks.” [Watson/Dr. Saturday]

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Awesome. “It’s that fascinating history, coupled with the arrival of “Movember,” that has inspired the card company Topps to create a “30 Days of November, 30 Days of Mustaches” promotion. The promotion includes selling a series of limited-edition posters that celebrate MLB’s rich mustache history, in addition to archived prints featuring mustachioed players and other apparel.” [Townsend/Big League Stew]

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“There has been a lot of criticism and concern over the Browns third round pick Leon McFadden. When he was drafted, many were penciling him into the starting lineup because they were so convinced that Buster Skrine was terrible. He got banged up in camp, which made winning the starting job impossible that he suddenly was their fourth corner, which caused some to already call McFadden a bust. The Browns have announced that after the bye week, McFadden should have a bigger role.

This makes a ton of sense for a few reasons. First, McFadden was able to get healthy and work to be able to produce. The bye week gives him more opportunities to get reps and show he is ready to do the job. They are not forced to throw him to the wolves and have been able to ease him into the job.” [Smith/Dawg Pound Daily]

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“In Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, Ohio State has enjoyed as good a 1-2 punch from the running back position as any team in the country — and challenged only by Wisconsin’s James White-Melvin Gordon combo in the Big Ten.

The duo has combined for 1,220 rushing yards on 175 attempts (6.97 YPA), scoring 15 touchdowns. That’s 135.5 yards per game. They’ve also caught 18 passes for 101 yards and another score (by Hyde). Since both are seniors, that’s a lot of production for Urban Meyer to replace next season.

Aside from incoming freshmen who might play their way into the mix, there are really four major contenders for the role of starting Ohio State running back in 2014 (assuming Dontre Wilson continues in his hybrid role, which appears to be a safe bet). One will be a senior, two will be redshirt sophomores and perhaps the most likely candidate will be a true sophomore.” [Citro/Eleven Warriors]

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“A return to the American League Central in Cleveland for Justin Morneau would fit Antonetti’s description. Morneau is a left-handed veteran who could split time at first base and designated hitter, but his power has been on the decline in recent years so much so that he may see contract offers similar to that given to Reynolds last season.

If the Indians consider right-handed batters, Corey Hart could be an option. He has been linked to Cleveland in the past, is a year removed from playing his last game due to knee injuries, and is expected to see a shorter contract length because of the injury concerns. The first baseman, who will turn 32 prior to the start of next season, has spent his entire career in the midwest with Milwaukee and may be willing to stay in Wisconsin on a discount.” [Toth/DTTWLN]